Doesn’t that name sound fancy? Chicken divan…
If you’re from the South, you grew up with your share of casseroles. Made with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup, is there any other kind of casserole? You see the 1984 church cookbook above that came out of my Pastor dad’s church at the time. The Women’s Ministry ladies decided they needed to do a cookbook for a couple of years and I’m so glad I snagged them. It is full of well-loved Southern recipes, good ole’ down home cooking and many of them have the above-mentioned creamy soup as a main ingredient. I’m quite sure there are probably some major differences between a church cookbook in the North and the South.
I’m just sayin’. 
So, are you ready for this Chicken Divan? I have no idea where the name came from, if anyone knows, please let me know. I can see this on a Southern restaurant menu where little ladies go to lunch and chat up a storm. Have any of my Yankee friends (sorry, we just still call ya’ll that, old habits die hard you know!) heard of this recipe?
This recipe was contributed by my sister, Renee. I’ve made it quite a bit over the years. Main ingredient, chicken of course. 
And cream of chicken soup mixed with mayo.
Broccoli layer goes first. 
Shredded chicken on top of that
Creamy mixture next
Sprinkled with shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs mixed with butter.
I serve mine with brown rice cooked in chicken broth.
And it’s a cheesy, yummy meal. Your kids would probably like it too. Comfort food at its best.
Here’s the official recipe:
Chicken Divan
1 pkg. frozen broccoli spears (I used fresh broccoli & steamed it lightly first)
3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup ( I added a bit of the chicken broth the chicken cooked in to this)
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup bread crumbs, soaked in 1 T. melted butter (I used Italian breadcrumbs)
Cook broccoli and drain. Arrange in a baking dish. Place chicken on top. Mix together soup, mayo, and lemon juice. Pour over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine bread crumbs & butter; sprinkle over chicken. Bake at 350* for 25 minutes covered, 5 minutes uncovered.
Eat and enjoy!
Oh Yum… I remember my mom making this when I was a kid. I haven’t had it in years! I might have to whip this up this week for dinner. Thanks for the idea.
I’ve made this recipe over the years, but never with the 1/2 cup mayo in it. I bet that is the “southern” addition!! I’ll try it that way next time. Sally
Gee thanks, Rhoda… I’m on a diet and now I’m STARVING for that cheesey goodness. 😉
I might try this recipe next Saturday for a little birthday shindig I’m giving for a friend who turns… uh, I better not tell.
Thanks!
Sheila
Oh, I love Chicken Divan, and have not had it in so long! I am a total Yankee girl from New England, and my Nana made this dish every Christmas. I always looked forward to it, even though my brother tried to convince me it was called “Chicken Divan” because after you ate it you would die and they would haul you off in a van… 🙂 Thank you for sharing the recipe!
It’s funny but I’ve made that several times and I live in Ontario, Canada. I didn’t know it’s from the southern States, but maybe it is. I like it very much -delish.
cheers,
Blueberry
I used to make that when we first got married (20 yrs ago) I remember it was so good. Somehow I stopped making it, but now that you reminded me…I may make that tonight for dinner!
This sounds like divine divan. 🙂
No one in my house likes broccoli except me, so I don’t get it much. I’m going to have to make this one, though!
YUM…but I need one of those old church ladies to cook it for me lol. Have a wonderful weekend!
This takes me back to my high school days! And considering I was just wondering what to make for dinner this evening, this just might be the ticket! Thanks for posting this nostalgic recipe.
Easy with just a few ingredients! I am making it tonight! I had chicken breasts laid out and was trying to decide what to fix with it or what to do with it. You have given me an answer! *smiles*
Ro, search the Paula Deen chicken divan recipe! Its DEEVIINE!!
Looks delish! We own several old church cookbooks from where my hubby is from in MI, and the recipes in there are AMAZING! Love all the old Polish recipes included in these area cookbooks!
Yum. I love this stuff. And a good dish for Nights I teach a class and have to prepare something for DH to put in the oven. Thanks for sharing!
Don’t ya just love a good ole southern church cookbook? I have several!! They are the best. (aside from paula deen;))
I actually haven’t had chicken divan in a long time, my mama used to make it alot. I’ve got another southern casserole in mind to share on my blog soon so check in from time to time.
This looks so yummy! Supposedly this dish originated at a restaurant in New York called Divan Parisien back in the 1930s. The restaurant is no longer there but obviously the recipe lives on.
Ha-Ha-Ha!! Well guess what? This Yankee (northern girl) makes her Chicken Divan the exact same way too and we also use a lot of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup in our recipes 🙂
Blessings,
Sher
Why oh why did I read your blog when I was hungry? You have no idea how yummy that looks!
yep – this original Yankee (now testing my wings as a Southerner)grew up with that recipe as well. It’s a yummy one! I thought of you as I finally remembered to bring my camera with my yard saling…and then it began to pour, pour, pour (after I snagged myself a wicker patio set for $30, dresser for $20, and some unbelievable clothes for next to nothing. The clothes came from one of our upscale stores, and I was gladly taking them off this lady’s hands) 🙂 But besides that….nothing, and no pictures because I hit the jackpot in the first hour during the drizzle.
Hi Rhoda,
I just sent you an email with a recipe the way we make it !!
I’ve had this many times, never with mayo though. It’s yummy we love it 🙂
Your Yankee friend,
Kathy 🙂
Rhoda,
That sounds delicious and brings back memories. I used to make the same recipe with some curry powder thrown in. Now *that* was exotic back in the 70s.
Janet